UCATT pushes drive for new-build social housing

UCATT is to launch a campaign aimed at pushing forward the programme of new build council homes to address increasing accommodation shortages.

The number of new build homes constructed for local authorities totals less than 1,200 in the last five years.

Attacking the government's drive for the transfer of housing stocks, UCATT's executive council member Chris Murphy said that the move was obviously failing home-seekers.

Over the last five years the total number of houses passing out of local authority control under the 'Right to Buy' programme was 240,000 against 500,000 people being eligible for social housing.

Murphy will now be pushing for a Parliamentary debate on the issue in the coming months as well as a delegation meeting with deputy prime minister John Prescott.